Cowher recently made noise about making "year-to-year" decisions, and while he insists he does that every year, this time people are paying attention. Maybe it's because he recently bought a $2.5-million home in North Carolina; maybe it's because he moved his family there; or maybe it's just because he finally fulfilled a lifelong quest, which was winning a Super Bowl.

But listen carefully, and it sure sounds as if he's as centered on defending an NFL championship as he was on gaining it.

Why I like this team
They have everyone but Antwaan Randle El and Jerome Bettis returning on offense, and they plugged the holes on defense left by the departures of von Oelhoffen and safety Chris Hope. So the core of the club remains intact, and that's critical. Remember, over the last two years these guys are 31-7, and when you have all your playmakers and the entire coaching staff returning what's not to like?